On this week’s In The Know, Andy Taylor welcomes Deanna Lindeman, Commander of the Green Valley Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers, along with Steve Swallows from the SAV Scam Squad, for an important and timely discussion focused on community safety, volunteer opportunities, and the growing threat of fraud and impersonation scams.

Listeners learn about the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers Open House happening Saturday, January 10, where residents can explore the many SAV departments, ask questions, and learn how to get involved. Deanna also outlines upcoming February training classes, including defensive driving, CPR, Telecare, and patrol support—highlighting how SAV volunteers serve and protect the community in meaningful ways.

The conversation then turns to scam prevention, as Steve Swallows shares alarming real-world examples of recent fraud cases impacting Green Valley residents. Topics include law enforcement and FBI impersonation scams, jury duty fraud, IRS scams, Publishers Clearing House calls, and why scammers insist on keeping victims on the phone. Listeners are reminded: never pay bills with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash meet-ups—and always hang up and verify independently.

Steve also explains how the SAV Scam Squad assists residents with suspicious calls, emails, letters, and documents, offering free presentations to HOAs, clubs, and community groups throughout Green Valley. Updated Scam Squad winter office hours and contact information are shared, along with practical tips to stay vigilant during tax season and beyond.

In The Know is proudly brought to you by American Southwest Credit Union—where community still matters and banking is built on trust, relationships, and local service.

In this episode of In the Know, Andy Taylor sits down with Randy Graf, President and CEO of the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce, to reflect on a strong and productive year while looking ahead to continued growth in 2026.

Randy shares highlights from 2025, including record attendance at cornerstone events such as the Business Expo & Taste of the Valley, the Annual Dinner, the Golf Classic, and the Sahuarita State of the Town Luncheon. With hundreds of attendees and strong member participation, the Chamber continues to play a vital role in supporting local businesses, networking, and advocacy throughout one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities.

The conversation also spotlights several exciting initiatives we saw in 2025, including the ElevateEd AZ Workforce Development Program, which connects high school CTE students with local businesses through job shadowing, internships, and career exploration. Andy and Randy discuss the rise of young entrepreneurs, how the Chamber supports them, and why Chamber membership remains one of the best returns on investment for small businesses—offering visibility, credibility, and direct access to local consumers through its highly used member directory.

Looking ahead, Randy outlines plans for 2026, including the expansion of leadership development programs, the popular new Woven women’s entrepreneurship roundtables, continued workforce development efforts, and another big year of events—starting with the Business Expo & Taste of the Valley in January. The episode wraps with a reminder to support local businesses, shop Chamber members, and get involved in strengthening the regional business community.

Plus, a reminder to support local this holiday season—and get ready for the Business Expo & Taste of the Valley coming up in January!

Learn more and get involved at greenvalleysahuarita.com

We talk to Kevin Hansen, Director of The Fantasticks.

On this episode, Andy Taylor sits down with the fine folks from Native Gardens Green Valley to explore why this locally owned destination has become a must-visit spot for both residents and out-of-town guests—especially during the holiday season. Family members Ellen and Harry March, along with Stephanie Peterson, share what makes Native Gardens far more than just a plant nursery.

Listeners will learn about the fully stocked plant department, featuring everything from small potted cactus to large, statement-making desert plants, as well as the shop’s expansive gift and retail spaces. Native Gardens offers a carefully curated mix of unique clothing, jewelry, furniture, home décor, and one-of-a-kind artisan goods sourced from artists and cooperatives around the world. Much of the clothing and artwork is handmade, often available one of a kind, making every visit a true treasure hunt.

The conversation also dives into the shop’s strong focus on folk art and cultural storytelling, including intricate Huichol beadwork, yarn paintings, embroidered apparel, and woven accessories purchased directly from artisans. With a layout designed more like an art gallery than a traditional store, Native Gardens invites visitors to browse, explore, and discover pieces that spark curiosity and conversation.

Wrapping up, the team shares why Native Gardens is a perfect stop for holiday shopping, hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, and neighbor surprises—along with updated holiday hours and a reminder that the shop is a welcoming, fun experience for all ages… including a visit from Pete, the store’s beloved canine greeter. It’s a lively and informative look at one of Green Valley’s most unique shopping destinations.

On this week’s United Community Health Center update, host Guy Atchley speaks with Melinda Prado, a dental hygienist who has spent the past 14 years caring for patients at UCHC. Melinda shares insight into the ongoing challenges of children’s dental health and explains why cavities remain common despite increased awareness. She highlights newer treatment options such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a simple and effective way to slow or stop cavities—especially helpful for young children or patients with high dental anxiety.

Melinda also discusses UCHC’s recently completed dental remodels and how upgraded spaces, improved organization, and new equipment enhance the patient experience. From brighter, more welcoming treatment rooms to a unified sterilization lab and the availability of nitrous oxide for anxious patients, the changes were designed with families in mind and help dental teams deliver care more efficiently and comfortably.

A major focus of the conversation is UCHC’s mobile dental program, which brings full dental services directly to local schools. Melinda explains how the mobile dental RV removes barriers such as transportation, missed work, and lost classroom time, allowing children from preschool through high school to receive exams, cleanings, x-rays, and even restorative treatments on campus. She emphasizes the importance of communication with parents and the behind-the-scenes teamwork between dental staff and school personnel that keeps the program running smoothly.

The interview wraps up with practical, often-overlooked prevention tips for parents, including helping children brush and floss until at least age eight, limiting sugary and sticky snacks, and encouraging water as the go-to drink. Melinda also shares what inspired her to become a dental hygienist and what continues to fuel her passion—building long-term relationships with patients, educating families, and empowering the community to prevent dental problems before they begin.

We talk to Yareli Breton, Director of Activities at Fellowship Square in Tucson.

We talk to Joseph Lessard, CPA, PLLC

This week on In The Know, host Andy Taylor welcomes David McAllister, Executive Director of the Green Valley Council, for an in-depth conversation about the issues, initiatives, and upcoming events shaping the Green Valley community. As the Council wraps up a strong year of civic engagement, McAllister highlights plans for a busy winter and spring season ahead, reinforcing the Council’s long-standing role as the “official, unofficial” civic voice for Green Valley since 1973.

A major focus of the discussion centers on community infrastructure and safety, including the recently completed drainage forum. McAllister explains the complexity of managing Green Valley’s 29 drainage ways—many of which are shared among private property owners, HOAs, and Pima County—and how proper coordination is critical for flood prevention during monsoon season while also reducing wildfire risk. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing safety with environmental stewardship, as many drainage areas serve as vital habitat for local wildlife.

The conversation then turns to two important upcoming community forums. On January 8, the Green Valley Council will host an Assessor’s Forum, covering property tax relief programs for veterans, widows, and other qualifying residents, as well as addressing the growing concern of home title fraud—a crime that has already affected residents locally. McAllister stresses the importance of education and awareness in protecting homeowners from losing their property or life savings.

Finally, listeners are invited to attend the “Green Valley Fights Back Against Fraud” forum on February 12, a collaborative effort with KGVY Radio, local law enforcement, and community partners. The event will address common scams such as romance fraud, Medicare fraud, tech support scams, and delivery scams, offering practical guidance on recognizing red flags and preventing victimization. For more information, residents can contact the Green Valley Council directly or visit gvcouncil.org

We talk to the owners of Native Gardens of Green Valley about stocking stuffers.

We talk to Chris Cota at the Country Fair White Elephant in Green Valley.